Schumer, Gillibrand, Bishop Announce $500,000 For The Air National Guard At The Gabreski Airport In Suffolk County

Funding Will Be Used for Energy Efficient Solar Installations

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Tim Bishop today announced $500,000 in federal funding for the 106th Rescue Wing at the Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Federal Energy Management Program and will be used to install a solar rooftop system for the 106th Rescue Wing base at the Gabreski Airport. This project will cover 48 percent of the base’s electric consumption which will help improve economic vitality and reduce harmful environmental impacts.

“This funding will help reduce pollution and improve energy efficiency at the Air National Guard at Gabreski Airport,” said Senator Schumer. “I am pleased that the Department of Energy has awarded this critical funding and I commend the Air National Guard at the Gabreski Airport for installing a solar rooftop system, a good step in the fight against climate change.”

“Investing in energy efficiency projects is smart and responsible,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding for the 106th Rescue Wing is a great investment for the community. I am pleased the 106th Rescue Wing will be able to support their first energy efficiency project that will save taxpayer dollars and reduce pollution.”

“This funding is a win-win for the mission of the base and for our local environment,” said Congressman Bishop. “The installation of solar panels will allow the 106th Rescue Wing to become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly while driving down the costs of base operations. I am proud of the 106th for leading in their commitment to use renewable energy that benefits our entire community.”

"In September, the 106th Rescue Wing was awarded a grant from the Department of Energy under the funding program titled “Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies (AFFECT) in the amount of $500,000, said Captain Shaun Denton, who serves as Base Energy Manager for the 106th Rescue Wing. The funds will be used to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This initiative will reduce the 106th Rescue Wing’s carbon footprint and energy costs. It will also contribute to the Air Force’s goal of using 25 percent renewable energy by 2015."

The Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy works to develop and facilitate energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives to strengthen U.S. energy security and improve environmental quality.